Terry Collins, Durham County Council's director of neighbourhood services, says that it would cost too much to bring Glenholme back to a decent state (Echo, Nov 1).

The building is structurally sound and, at most, needs a lick of paint.

He then says that outdoor activities are more effective then leisure centres. Is he a fitness coach as well as a structural engineer?

Team sports are fine but what about the young and the old, are they expected to play soccer, rugby etc?

He then suggests that a gym could be installed in Crook Civic Centre. Does he not understand that people can easily keep fit by walking, jogging, gardening etc, all in the fresh air and free, but no one can swim without a pool.

If the council cannot afford to run Glenholme, why not hand it over to a committed group of people, even if their plan needs rejigging a bit. What is there to lose (apart from the council's face)?

Dave Quinn,

Howden-le-Wear.